protonvpn

ProtonVPN is a virtual private network developed by the team behind ProtonMail, designed to give users stronger online privacy, encryption, and greater control over how their internet traffic is routed. Headquartered in Switzerland, ProtonVPN leverages the country’s strong privacy laws and positions itself as a service for people who prioritize confidentiality and digital security. Core features and security ProtonVPN uses modern VPN protocols (including WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2) and strong encryption to protect data in transit. It provides a system-wide kill switch that blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling on supported platforms. A standout feature is Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the public internet; this reduces risk from compromised exit servers and helps defend against network-level attacks. ProtonVPN also offers a Tor over VPN option that routes traffic to the Tor network without a separate Tor browser setup. Privacy and trust ProtonVPN emphasizes a no-logs approach and benefits from Swiss jurisdiction, which is typically viewed as favorable for privacy. The company has publicly documented parts of its security architecture and has engaged independent auditors for portions of its operations. While no service can guarantee absolute anonymity, ProtonVPN is engineered to minimize the amount of data the company retains and to make user surveillance harder. Plans and performance ProtonVPN offers a free tier with access to a limited number of servers and moderate speeds — useful for testing the service or casual use. Paid tiers unlock faster speeds, a larger server network across many countries, Secure Core, simultaneous connections, advanced streaming and P2P support, and priority customer support. Performance depends on server choice, distance, local network conditions and the chosen protocol, but WireGuard often delivers the best speed-to-security balance. Use cases and limitations Common uses for ProtonVPN include protecting privacy on public Wi‑Fi, preventing ISP tracking, accessing geo-restricted streaming content, and safely conducting remote work. It can also help users in restrictive environments access blocked websites, though users should understand local laws and risks. No VPN can fully protect against endpoint compromises (malware, phishing) or account-level tracking, so ProtonVPN should be part of a broader security hygiene strategy. Getting started Install the ProtonVPN app on your preferred device (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) or configure supported routers. Choose WireGuard for typical speed-focused use or Secure Core for maximum network-level privacy. Test connections and enable the kill switch and DNS leak protection for consistent safety. Conclusion ProtonVPN balances privacy-focused features with user-friendly apps and multiple plan levels. For users who value strong privacy practices and clear security options, it’s a compelling choice among modern VPN services — particularly when combined with good personal security habits.